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Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers came out on top in a wild point guard match-up against Russell Westbrook 115-111 in overtime in Oklahoma City.

The Blazers comeback would not have been were it not for a boneheaded series of plays from Westbrook. Westbrook was the biggest reason the Thunder were winning but a useless personal foul in the backcourt coupled with a technical allowed the Blazers to cut the lead to seven with no time coming off the clock.

Then Lillard came down and hit a deep three off a screen. In the blink of an eye the lead went from 10 to four.

Aldridge and Lillard combined for 32 of Portland’s final 42 points.

Another key to Portland’s success late was head coach Terry Stotts decided to match the Thunder’s 3-guard line-up with Steve Blake and bring in more athleticism in Dorell Wright. Wright didn’t play since his crucial role in Friday’s 3OT win against the Spurs.

Wright didn’t have the 3-point barrage he had against San Antonio but grabbed some crucial rebounds and had a nice tip in in overtime to give the Blazers breathing room.

The Blazers capped off an incredibly successful trip with wins against the Spurs, Pelicans and Thunder without Robin Lopez and getting two of those without Nicolas Batum. The Blazers are nearing the end of a grueling December which had 10 of 16 games on the road.

The Blazers are succeeding when schedules and injury continue seem to say they shouldn’t.

And with 7 of the next 10 days off, the Blazers have earned a considerable amount of rest. They are banged up and sick and certainly need it. Although Lillard and Matthews have played every night, you could tell with the amount of miscommunications the Blazers had tonight they were running out of gas.

Born March 25, 1980, Neal Cotts is a MLB pitcher with the Texas Rangers. Cotts played for his college, Illinois State University, and won the honors of All-Missouri Valley Conference for his team. When he finished college, he was ranked all-time fifth in strikeouts, when he struck 263 in only three seasons, playing for the Redbirds. In 2001 draft, Cotts was drafted in the second round by the Oakland Athletics.

Cotts started his professional career, playing the 2002 season for Modesto, a Single-A team of the California League. In 28 starts, he won 12 games. However, during the off-season, he was traded to the Chicago White Sox. For the 2003 season, Cotts was ranked third prospect in the franchise's system. He began the season playing for Birmingham, a Double-A team of the Southern League. He posted 131 strikeouts, 9-6 record, and 2.12 ERA. In August 2003, Cotts earned his first win against the Texas Rangers, when he pitched for five innings and allowed five hits. However, the season ended with Cotts posting 1-1 record and 8.10 ERA.

In 2006, the Chicago Cubs acquired Cotts in a trade, but in May 2007, he was optioned to play Iowa, a Triple-A team, when Cubs recalled Sean Marshall, a left-handed pitcher. In 2007, Cotts was again signed to a one-year contract by the Cubs and he started playing for Triple-A teams. He was recalled in May 2008, after the Cubs traded Scott Eyre, their veteran pitcher.

In January 2010, Pittsburg Pirates signed Cotts for playing minor league, but he was released in September, when he had to undergo hip surgery. In November 2010, Cotts signed a contract with the New York Yankees, but he was again released by February 2011 due to his physical issues. In 2012, Cotts signed a contract with the Texas Rangers but he was assigned to minor league. In May 2013, Cotts was back in the Major Leagues when he pitched against Oakland, but his performance has remained poor up to now.

New Jersey beat the NY Rangers in game 6 in OT to oust the Rangers from the Eastern Conference Finals. I live in NY and follow hockey and admit I was rooting for the Devils to prevail 3-2. They did when rookie Adam Henrique scored early in OT to send New Jersey in the Finals, the fourth with Martin Brodeur as goalie. Brodeur is on his way to the Hall of Fame when his career ends, and it is fitting that he reaches the Finals to try to go out on top.

Offensively, the Rangers are challenged. They have a great goalie in Henrik Lunqvist, who literally, carries this team on his back, every game. The Rangers just don't have the firepower. You can't win the Cup when you score 2-3 goals a game. It's just not going to happen. You have to put the puck in the net and give your goalie a night off, so to speak. Let the wingers or centers be accountable. NY had a great run. The Devils are the better team.

It is pretty certain that LA will come out of the Western Conference playoffs. What remains much more in doubt is the Rangers-Devils series. NY has a 1-0 lead in the best of 7. But this series is by no means over. The Rangers play almost the oppositie of LA. They grind it out, slow down the game, and let their goalie become the anchor of defense. A goal or two is usually all the Rangers need to win a game. That pattern may remain in the Eastern Finals, but it will be sorely tested if NY plays the LA Kings.

The sleeping giant, that is the LA Kings, has woke up with a vengence. The Rangers play like the the little engine that could. It huffs and puffs its way toward the finish line.

It is said- and correctly so- that while a pennant may not be won in April, a pennant may be lost in April.

On this note, the Detroit Tigers have immediate cause for concern. Their early schedule- in the month of April alone- includes two more games against Boston, a three-game home series with the Tampa Bay Rays (April 10-12), a four-game home series against the American League Champion Texas Rangers (April 19-22) and, just to pour a bucket of salt water over the wounds incurred, a three-game series in the Bronx Apr. 27-29.

The Tigers made substitutions in the 2011 post-season out of necessity. They were beat up, and running out of players. Luckily, some of those substitutes stepped up in a big way, such as UT Don Kelly and Santiago.

However, the Tigers are at nearly 100% health, and they need their front line to do battle with the American League's best.

So, here's hoping that Leyland doesn't tinker with his team too much. Obviously, he wants OF Delmon Young to continue what he's been doing for the Tigers since last August, which is to drive in runs. Surely, Leyland would also like to see one of his second basemen grab the brass ring. So far, all we have are multiple second basemen who play competently enough to hit .250 and turn the double play when necessary.

Ah, maybe, that is, until now. 2B/OF Ryan Raburn had the Spring Training of his life, batting over .400 for a stretch, eventually cooling a bit to a .268 average. However, he still slugged .661, having hit 6 HRs, 2 2Bs and a 3B. That accounts for nine of his 15 hits in the spring.

One of the most talented hitters of the nineties did not receive enough votes for induction to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, but I’m hoping Edgar Martínez does not have to wait too much longer. I don’t expect him to be elected in 2011 because too many voters don’t think a Designated Hitter is a full-time player. (Martínez came up as a third baseman, but injuries forced him to become Seattle’s regular DH in 1995.) In my opinion, if a poor defensive player can make it to Cooperstown based on his offensive contributions, then someone who does not play a defensive position should be able to do the same.

Martínez’s career stats include a .312 batting average, .418 on-base percentage, .515 slugging percentage, 2,247 hits, 309 home runs, and 1,261 RBIs. His best season came in 1995, when he slugged .628 while leading the AL in batting average (.356), OBP (.479), OPS (1.107), doubles (52), and runs (121). Despite his monster year, Martínez still finished third in the MVP race. Fifteen years later, he remains the only designated hitter ever to win a batting title.

Martínez was a seven-time All-Star, won five Silver Slugger Awards, and had one of the biggestclutch hits in postseason history – a two-run double in the bottom of the 11th inning of Game 5 of the 1995 ALDS that sent the Mariners to their first-ever Championship Series. Seattle had been trailing the Yankees 5-4 and were three outs away from being eliminated from the playoffs; the turn of events sent the Yanks home instead after having blown a 2-0 series lead. For the series, Martínez had a Ruthian line of .571/.667/1.000 and 10 RBIs – nine of them coming in the last two games.

Congratulations to the San Francisco Giants, who are World Champions for the first time since moving to the west coast more than 50 years ago. Their last title in New York came in 1954, when Willie Mays made “the catch” that will be played on highlight reels forever. The Giants came unbelievably close to not even making the playoffs this year, but the fans who claimed that watching their team was “torture” are now the happiest fans in baseball.

How ‘bout that?

How about Matt Cain? The San Francisco hurler was nearly untouchable throughout the playoffs, outshining staff ace Tim Lincecum, who had a bad outing in Game 1 of the Fall Classic. In three postseason starts, Cain allowed only an unearned run over 21.1 innings of work, going at least 6.2 innings in each outing and providing a huge boost to his team’s hunt for glory. He might be the best #2 starter in the majors, but Matt Cain looked like the second coming of Cy Young when it mattered most for the Giants.

How about Brian Wilson? The flamethrower’s postseason numbers included six saves (in seven chances) and a win in 11.2 innings pitched, allowing just an unearned run. Additionally, Wilson allowed no more than one hit per appearance while anchoring the San Francisco bullpen. Wilson gave Bruce Bochy the confidence this postseason usually reserved for Mariano Rivera’s manager when handing his closer the ball in October (or November).

How about the fantastic class of rookies in the postseason? Stephen Strasburg wasn’t among them, but Jason Heyward (Braves), Buster Posey (Giants), Aroldis Chapman (Reds), Danny Valencia (Twins), Wade Davis (Rays), Neftali Feliz and Mitch Moreland (both Rangers) would make an incredible young team if they all played together. In fact, even top prospect Domonic Brown, who compiled just 62 regular-season at-bats, was on the Phillies’ playoff roster. Expectations will be high for this talented group, and here’s hoping none of them experiences too much of a sophomore slump.

The Chicago White Sox won a big game 5-3, against the Texas Rangers. Alexei Remirez hit a big two run blast in the 6th inning for the winning Sox. The Sox climbed back in the race on a sorching hot streak. They cooled off a bit on this road trip, dropping two out of three to KC, and then righting themselves with a big win tonight. This coupled with losses by the Twins and Detroit give Chicago a fighting chance to do some damage right before the All-Star break.

Right now, they would have to be one of the surprise teams in the AL. Not because of where they are, but where they've been. The Sox were in the outer reaches of the Twilight Zone before Interleague Play began. And, then the ChiSox went on a winning streak that catapulted them back to Earth. Things might not be so great between the manager and Ken Williams the Gen. Mgr, but winning is a healing elixir. The team knows it can compete and is finding more confidence as the wins mount. There is talent in the pitching staff. Now, if some hitters can pick it up, this team should be flirting with first place soon. Maybe then Ozzie can get some credit. But really, it is the players who are performing well.

Actually, they need to win some games before we can laud them. They have the talent to win this thing, now they have to go out and prove it on the field.

After two consecutive years of winning the National League Central Division, the Chicago Cubs watched their hated rivals the St. Louis Cardinals win it. In order for this not happen again, the Cubs have some concerns they have to address in order to get back to their winning ways.

First, they have to get rid of Milton Bradley. This guy was a cancer on and off the field. He was quoted saying that he does not like the Cubs fans. I am here to tell you that the feeling is mutual. The Cubs general manager, Jim Hendry, needs to get this guy off this team no matter how. If that involves eating majority of his contract in a trade, then that's the way it needs to be done. There have been a few teams mentioned in trade talks for Bradley. The Tampa Bay Rays, the San Diego Padres, and the team that keeps getting mentioned the most the Texas Rangers. It doesn't matter what team the Cubs get the deal done with, as long as this guy is off the team come next year.

Second, the Cubs need a lead-off hitter and center-fielder. These two go together, because the Cubs can fill both of these holes with one player. Coco Crisp. Crisp is a great player. He has speed, he is a descent outfielder, and he can hit. He did have a down year last year, but he played for the Kansas City Royals. Put a good team behind Coco he will shine! Look what he did in Boston an few years ago. There have been rumors that the Cubs are in the Curtis Garnderson sweepstakes. Grandy would be a good fit with the Cubs, and probably benefit from the National League style of play. The one downside to getting Garndy is that he can't hit left-handed pitchers. So the Cubs would have to find someone to platoon with Grandy in center when they are facing a lefty. With the Cubs payroll, I don't see that happening. Crisp should be Hendry's guy, but we will see what happens.

1. Well, Brett Favre is back. Just as he started to drift out of our minds again, BAM, breaking news on ESPN: "Favre is a Viking." As obnoxious as this story has been for the last three years, it sure will make the Vikings vs. Packers games more interesting, especially the November 1st game when he returns to Lambeau Field. My guess is the reaction will be half cheers, half boos from the fans, all boos from Ted Thompson.

2. Another quarterback who has run rampant through the media lately is Jay Cutler. He needs to shut up right now if he even wants a chance at not topping the "Number One Douche Bag of All-Time" list. His latest remarks were after the Bears' first preseason game in which they played the Buffalo Bills. He criticized wide receiver Devin Hester for not breaking up an interception on an under-thrown pass. How about this Jay? Either make the passes in the first place or be gracious if Hester does break up the interception. If Hester can't fix your screw up, man up and take the blame yourself. That's where it belongs. Peyton Manning doesn't always own the blame after a loss, but the difference between Manning and Cutler is, Manning has the record to back up those types of comments. Cutler needs to earn the right to make those types of comments. He could be in danger of losing that locker room really quickly, if he hasn't already.

3. Marc Bulger broke his pinkie on his throwing hand during Monday's practice on a snap exchange from center Jason Brown. It's not a major injury and it should only keep him out for two weeks. However, this could open the door for backup Kyle Boller. The Ravens had some decent years with a strong defense and Boller managing games. Baltimore went 9-7 in 2004, Boller's only year in which he started all 16 games. 9-7 won the NFC West last year and it could do the same this year. I'm not suggesting the Rams' defense will be anywhere close to Baltimore's, but the NFC West isn't as strong as the AFC North typically is either.

Texas Rangers News

(Adds later games) July 31 (The Sports Xchange) - Highlights from Major League Baseball games on Friday: - - - - Rangers 6, Giants 3 Texas Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre and shortstop Elvis Andrus each hit two-run homers as the Rangers beat the San Francisco Giants 6-3. Both of the home runs came off San Francisco ace Madison Bumgarner, who matched a season high by allowing six earned runs. Beltre put the Rangers up 2-0 with his homer to left in the first and Andrus capped a four-run second with his shot to left, giving the Rangers a 6-2 edge. [read full article]

(Adds later games) Aug 1 (The Sports Xchange) - Highlights from Saturday's Major League Baseball games: - - - - Red Sox 11, Rays 7 Third baseman Travis Shaw slugged the first two home runs of his major league career and had three RBIs as the Boston Red Sox produced an 11-7 win over the Tampa Bay Rays. Shaw finished with a career-high four hits and also scored five runs, becoming the first Red Sox player to do so since Dustin Pedroia scored five times against the Texas Rangers on Aug 12, 2008. ... [read full article]

Josh Hamilton's big swing in the first inning quickly got the Texas Rangers even after they fell in a 3-0 hole. The slugger's sharp single to right with two outs in the ninth ended the game, giving the Rangers a 7-6 victory Thursday night and a split in the four-game series against the AL East-leading New York Yankees. ''Playing the Yankees is always fun, the battle back and forth between teams and between fans in the stadium,'' said Hamilton, who had the three-run homer in the first inning. [read full article]

Nick Martinez is scheduled to start Friday night, though Texas Rangers fans are more eagerly anticipating who could follow him. The trade speculation has made Martinez's outing a bit of an afterthought as the Rangers welcome the San Francisco Giants to Arlington for the first time since the 2010 World Series for this three-game set. Texas (49-52) is close to finalizing a deal with Philadelphia to acquire Hamels and reliever Jake Diekman for left-hander Matt Harrison and a package of top prospects. [read full article]

Take a look around the league with Big League Stew's daily wrap up. We'll hit on all of the biggest moments from the day that you may have missed, while providing highlights, photos and interesting stats. The Carlos Gomez trade wasn't the biggest thing to happen to the Houston Astros on Thursday. The club also celebrated a 3-0 win over the division-rival Los Angeles Angels. [ Friday Daily Fantasy contest: Turn $5 into $5K ] The win was significant for a number of reasons. Not only did the Astros complete the sweep of Los Angeles, but they did so on a walk-off home run. With the game tied in the bottom of the ninth, Jose Alvarez was brought on to take things into extras. It didn't work out for him. Alvarez sandwiched a walk between two outs before he was lifted from the game for Fernando Salas. Salas promptly gave up a single, putting men on first and second for Jason Castro. On the fourth pitch of the at-bat, Castro belted a three-run walk-off home run out to right center field. After the game, Castro said the dinger was probably the biggest hit of his career. Jason Castro calls #Astros walkoff HR biggest hit of his life — Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 31, 2015 With the win, Houston improved to 58-45 on the year. The team holds a two-game lead over the Angels in the American League West. SOX STOP SOX'S STREAK The Chicago White Sox win streak has come to an end. The club couldn't make it eight in a row, losing 8-2 against the Boston Red Sox on Thursday. Surprisingly, it was ace Chris Sale who struggled during the contest. Sale allowed seven runs on 12 hits over five innings. He struck out seven and walked one. Following the game, Sale put the loss on his shoulders. Sale: "We have 24 guys in here that didn’t deserve tonight. I should have been better." — Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) July 31, 2015 Sale was hit in the ankle with a line drive early in the game, but he didn't blame that incident for his struggles. He admitted that it hurt to get hit, but said he didn't think it was enough to alter his mechanics during the start. [ Follow our trade deadline tracker for the latest MLB news and rumors. ] With the loss, the White Sox fall to 49-51 on the year. Though the winning streak is over, the club is still expected to buy at the trade deadline. HAMILTON WALKS IT OFF The New York Yankees had a tough time stopping Josh Hamilton on Thursday. Hamilton picked up the walk-off hit during the Texas Rangers' 7-6 win over New York. The Yankees did all they could to neutralize Hamilton, making sure he faced lefties during the contest. That didn't really matter. Hamilton managed to strike in the first inning, smacking a three-run homer against CC Sabathia. He was held in check until the ninth, when Andrew Miller attempted to take on the slugger. With the game tied, and the bases loaded, all Hamilton needed to do was smack a single to pick up the victory. He was able to come through. On the third pitch of the at-bat, Hamilton sent a single to right field, ending the game. Hamilton was so excited after his big hit that he decided to celebrate with the Rangers' mascot. @Lana @TBrownYahoo they shared a moment. pic.twitter.com/S53ffOkLWi — Ray Cartwright (@RayCartwright) July 31, 2015 With the win, the Rangers improved to 49-52 on the season. PAPELBON GETS THE SAVE The Washington Nationals new closer might be OK. Jonathan Papelbon was tested his first time out, but still managed to preserve a 1-0 victory over the Miami Marlins on Thursday. He was tested, of course. The one run lead didn't leave Papelbon with a huge margin for error. In the end, it didn't matter. Papelbon tossed a perfect inning of work against the division rival Marlins. He got Ichiro Suzuki on a weak groundout, Christian Yelich on a lineout to second and struck out Michael Morse to end the game. Though Drew Storen is no longer the closer, Papelbon came away impressed with Storen's scoreless eighth inning performance. It appears the two are going to be good friends. Jonathan Papelbon: "I was in the shower with Storen, I said ‘can you show me that slider grip tomorrow?’ He was really, really good." — Chris Johnson (@masnCJ) July 30, 2015 With the win, Washington improved to 54-46 on the season. Want to see more from Thursday’s slate of games? Check out our scoreboard . More MLB coverage from Yahoo Sports: - - - - - - - Chris Cwik is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at christophercwik@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik [read full article]